Once you've decided on the Manchester Terrier (or at least
have begun to seriously consider a Manchester Terrier) you will need to contact
some breeders. Here is a list of some of the questions you should ask a breeder
before you buy a Manchester Terrier from them. For many of these questions there
are no "right" or "wrong" answers. Rather what is important
is that you are comfortable with the answers the breeder gives you. Buying a
puppy is a big decision and one which will require ongoing guidance and
direction. It is important that you find a breeder whom you feel you will be
able to deal with on an on-going basis, whom you feel is knowledgeable about the
breed and honest about the problems in the breed. Also, as Manchester Terriers
are a relatively rare breed you may have to deal with a breeder who is not in
your immediate area. Photos, videos, letters, e-mails, phone calls, and
references should allow you to feel secure with your choice of a breeder.

Who
are the parents of the litter?

A responsible breeder will allow you to meet at least the
mother of the litter. Often the father is from another kennel and so will not be
on site. However, the breeder should have pictures of the father and pedigrees
for you to see.

Do not be surprised if the mother does not seem as pretty
as she once did. Pregnancy is a strain on any bitch and this may be reflected in
her coat and other ways as well. However, mother and pups should appear well fed
and cared for.

Are
the parents healthy? What health testing has been performed?

Females should be in good general before they are bred. A
responsible breeder will not breed a female who is infirm, too old or too young.
In addition, all pure bred dogs are susceptible to certain genetic disorders
(see health issues for a more detailed discussion of this). You should inquire
about what health tests were performed on the parents and what the results were.

A good breeder will be willing to supply you with copies
of all health tests, should you ask for them.

Do
both parents have good temperament?

Although temperament can definitely be influenced by the
environment, almost all experts agree it is also influenced by genetics. Parents
with temperament problems are likely to pass them down to their offspring. You
should ask about the temperament of both parents (especially if the father is
not on site and you can not meet him "in person").

Many people mistakenly believe that getting a puppy from
"champion stock" ensures a good quality pup that has a good
temperament. This is not always the case. Having a champion dog sounds
impressive and generally indicates the dog conforms to the standard for the
breed (what the CKC or AKC says the breed should look like) and is structurally
sound, however, it does not indicate anything about temperament.

Buyers should ask if their potential puppy has any
relatives who have been temperament tested or have achieved obedience or agility
titles. Once again, these titles do not guarantee the puppy will have a good
temperament, however, they indicate some of the puppy's relatives were
"trainable" and must have been reasonably intelligent.

What
guarantees are offered? What is the breeder's policy on returning pups?

It is very important that you discuss with the breeder
what aspects (if any) of the dog are guaranteed. What happens if you purchase a
"potential show quality" puppy and it develops a major fault? What
happens if the puppy develops major health problems that are genetically based?
What are the conditions under which the breeder will take a pup back? There are
no "right" or "wrong" answers to these questions, but it is
important that you understand the breeder's policies and feel comfortable with
them.

Breeders should furnish a written sales contract stating
that the puppy is purebred, is healthy, has had it's first set of shots and is
suitable for the purposes it was bred for. Written guarantees protect both the
puppy buyer and the breeder.

What
are my obligations when I purchase the puppy?

Many breeders require you agree to spay or neuter your dog
(when it gets to the appropriate age) and that you agree not to breed it. If you
purchase a dog to show, breeders should allow you to leave the dog intact so you
can show it, but may not allow you to breed it or require you champion the dog
before you are allowed to breed it. You should discuss this possibility with the
breeder. These conditions should all be specified in the written contract.

In addition many breeders require that you agree to
providing certain conditions for the puppy through out it's lifetime (e.g. a
fenced in backyard, proper socialization, proper nutrition and health care).
These obligations should also be specified in the written contract.

How
long have they been breeding dogs? How long have they been breeding Manchester
Terriers?

Although it is not necessarily the case that the best
breeders have been "doing it the longest". There are many
"newcomers" produce quality puppies and many "oldtimers" who
do not, however, this will give you an indication of the individuals experience
with the breed.

What
dog-related activities is the breeder involved with?

Most responsible breeders are actively involved with their
breed. They will actively show their dogs and will likely have championed
several of their dogs. In addition to conformation showing, many people also
participate in other activities such as agility or obedience.

Does
the breeder belong to any dog clubs?

Most responsible breeders are members of at least one
kennel club. Every breeder should be a member in good standing of the Canadian
Kennel Club. In addition, most are members in good standing of a breed club
(such as the Canadian Manchester Terrier Club or the American Manchester Terrier
Club) and may also be involved in their local all-breed kennel club.

Will
you supply me with references?

Breeders should be willing to supply references, whether
from other breeders or from satisfied puppy buyers, if asked for them.

When
will they have puppies available?

Unfortunately, as there are not many breeders of
Manchester Terriers in Canada, you often can not find a puppy available exactly
when you want one. However, before you decide to get a puppy you should ensure
that it will be arriving at a time that is convenient for you.

Does
the breeder have a waiting list?

Often you will have to place your name on a waiting list
in order to get a puppy. Most Manchester Terrier litters are sold before the
litter is even born. Many breeders require a deposit before your name will be
placed on the waiting list. You should ask if this is a non-refundable deposit.

At
what age are the puppies released?

A good breeder generally will not let a puppy go before
7-8 weeks of age

Have
the pups been vet checked, received at least their first set of shots and been
wormed when they are released?

All puppies should be vet checked before they leave the
breeder. In addition they should have received their first set of inoculations
and the breeder provide a record of these shots and should tell you about the
remaining shots you will have to provide. The puppies may also be on a worming
schedule and the breeder may require you to continue the worming procedures

Has
the breeder registered the puppy with the CKC (or will the breeder be
registering the puppy)?

In Canada, in order to be sold as a pure-bred dog all
puppies must be either registered or registerable with the CKC. Breeders are
responsible for registering the puppies. They are not allowed to charge extra to
register the puppy or for the puppy's papers.